A Desert Rose (editing)

~ N I N E T E E N | B E T R A Y A L ~

Betrayal

What was it that could have forced such an offence against her longest friend. As though she had received nothing but pain from Laila when in fact, she was treated with only kindness.
Love was powerful enough to turn a great partner into the worst of enemies.

Her betrayal was silent, cloaked in deception. It tormented her, yet she could not stop.

Wafiyyah stood in silence. Hiding behind her veil as she compelled herself to remember the same incident. Laila on the ground, weeping as the secrets of her love were revealed.

Left astonished when she was suddenly taken from Laila's side at the function, Waffiyah was thrown out of the room and forced to oversee the heinous event from atop a balcony of the throne room.

Should it be true, Laila would lose everything.

Whilst her heart wished to weep for an old friend, her mind could only see the truth before her. With this revelation and Abdul's accession to sultan, he would have only one wish. Laila.

Surely the princess would return to Al-Shujae at the first chance, she would not stay with the man who betrayed her.

It could not be! How could Wafiyyah bear to see Abdul console Laila. She could not allow it. Wafiyyah would burn herself alive before her one love was taken.

Her mind raced, thinking of the one deception which could not be forgiven. She could not even dare to speak it out loud, afraid that it would stop her from committing this sin.

Wafiyyah clutched her heart, knowing her next actions were unjustifiable. There was no solace to be found. She searched, finding herself at the mercy of the sultan himself.

"You will not hurt her, will you?" Her innocent question was shadowed in guilt as the sultan bared his teeth.

"Are you questioning me?" He dared her. Wafiyyah stepped back, bowing her head in fear.

"N-never!" She quivered. Amir leaned back, eyeing the servant as she trembled. The girl had chosen a side, a place in which there was no room for emotion.

Weep out your affection.

Become heartless.

No one would understand your love here.

-

Her eyes opened, staring upon a dark ceiling. A single candle was lit, casting a shadow where its light could not reach. Laila felt a tear fall down the side of her face, forgetful until she looked around the tiny room and found herself face to face with the dancing woman.

She immediately sat up, wrapping her arms around her body.

"Wh- Where am I?" Laila asked delicately. The lady stood from her dressing table, bringing forward a glass filled with water.

"First drink, then we shall speak." She spoke gently, afraid to scare the girl. Laila deliberated, looking upon the cup before finally taking it.

"I brought you to my chambers, you were in no position to be taken to your own." The woman sat down, offering a friendly smile.
"My name is Zulaikha." She greeted. Laila was silent, smiling back until she felt herself fall.

"Laila?" Zulaikha called, pulling her in worry. Laila shook her head, tears falling no matter how she tried to stop them. She opened her mouth, sobbing in place of her words.

Zulaikha wrapped her arms around the girl, holding her as she weeped.

"It was all a lie." Laila whispered, unable to say anything more. Minutes passed in what seemed like hours, till eventually her cries quietened.